Eating a low-salt diet for Ménière's disease
What is the benefit of eating a low-salt diet?
The cause of Ménière's disease is unknown, but it may be related to a fluid imbalance in the inner ear. When the fluid builds up, it causes excess pressure. This pressure affects the sensory systems in the inner ear used to maintain balance, which leads to episodes of vertigo.
Salt "attracts" fluids—it makes your body retain excess fluid. Thus, eating less salt may result in less buildup of fluid in the ear and fewer episodes of vertigo. However, eating less salt does not reduce the intensity or severity of vertigo during episodes.
Test Your Knowledge
Vertigo in Ménière's disease may be caused by pressure in the ear due to fluid buildup.
Eating less salt may result in less severe episodes of vertigo.
Salt causes the body to retain fluid.
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Why should you follow a low-salt diet?
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| Author: | Sabra L. Katz-Wise Ralph Poore | Last Updated: November 7, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology | |
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